track front and centre, with two prior tracks and
two upcoming tracks on either side. This allows
users to easily review and flick backward and
forward through their music streams.
Spotify subscribers using the new Apple TV
app are also able to look through their Spotify
libraries, recently played music and playlists,
while also accessing the search feature and in-
app settings that they are likely to already be
familiar with from other Spotify software.
SIGNS OF HOPE AMID THE CONTINUING
STANDOFF BETWEEN THE COMPANIES
Now, in another universe, such developments as
the above might have been regarded as merely
mildly diverting instead of something that
watchers of the wider tech and media industries
would be taking much interest in. However, they
could actually be very significant indeed in the
grand scheme of things, given the recent feud
between the two major players.
To give a quick refresher for those who may be
unaware, Spotify has long accused Apple of anti-
competitive business practices, stating that the
way it manages its app platform favors Apple’s
own apps. Spotify has directed particular ire at
what CEO Daniel Ek has described as the “Apple
tax” – the 30% cut that Apple takes from every
Spotify subscription signed up via the App Store
during the first year, although this drops to 15%
for each subsequent year.
Ek stated in a blog post in March that “if we
pay this tax, it would force us to artificially inflate
the price of our Premium membership well
above the price of Apple Music.” He added that
Spotify refusing to pay the “tax” resulted in Apple